KR20060123617A - Electronically interlocking graphics panel formed from modular interconnects - Google Patents

Abstract

The modular display panel is formed of a divided symmetrical graphic panel 100 with display pixels. The panels are interlocked in a certain direction to form larger electronic graphic panels. The preferred shape of the panel is square and defines the perimeter with the edge surface 108. Each edge surface includes an electronic contact 112. The frame assembly forms the exterior of the panel, thereby making it possible to provide signals and power to the device.

Description

Electronically interlocking graphic panel formed from modular interconnects {ELECTRONIC INTERLOCKING GRAPHICS PANEL FORMED OF MODULAR INTERCONNECTING PARTS}

Electronic technology allows the display to be freely changed and, in effect, continuously updated. Electronic graphic panels can be used to display the desired information indoors, outdoors, underwater and in outdoor spaces.

However, graphics panels suffer from the high cost, low flexibility, limited software performance and high installation costs of custom-made graphics panels.

The present invention describes a new kind of electronic graphic panel formed of an interlocking module that can be interlocked together to form a graphic panel of a desired size.

One aspect describes an illumination diode (LED) based modular graphic panel formed of interlocking modules connectable to any of a number of different arrangements. It can be displayed on a graphic panel using a computer. In one embodiment, the graphics panel is framed by a frame assembly that includes an electronic device, the electronic device including a memory that stores information for forming a static display for an electronic sign or other application.

Another feature of the system is a modular block interconnection method that prevents different modules from being connected backwards.

1 is a plan view of a basic modular block of the electronic graphic panel of the present apparatus.

2 is a diagram of a method for extending the size of a device by interconnecting a plurality of modular blocks and a method of interconnecting devices only by key connection.

3 is an exploded view of the frame portion.

4 is an exploded view of the layers constituting the modular block;

5 is a detail view of the bottom layer of the module device.

6a and 6b show information about the signal and power contacts used;

7 is a block diagram of module communication.

8 is a flow diagram for identifying and programming a module.

9 is a communication flow diagram inward and outward of each modular apparatus including a tri-state buffer.

10 and 11 illustrate cases in which a signal can be properly transmitted between different devices and in cases where it can be inappropriately transmitted.

11A-11C are views of different types of frame attachment devices.

Figure 12 is a block diagram of a USB frame controller and a general host device.

Figure 13 is a diagram of a method of attaching a frame attachment device to two modules.

14 shows a general overall application.

Fig. 15 is a diagram of a user interface showing possible positions for different kinds of frame attaching devices.

Figure 16 is a circuit diagram of a power frame accessory.

Figure 17A shows how different frame attachments are attached at different locations.

Figure 17B shows a quarter panel pixel format.

18A-18D illustrate alternative embodiments in which the display device is used as a puzzle.

This application describes modular graphic panels for use in electronic signs and displays, and describes connectors and connections used in the panel to form devices that can be used for many different display purposes. The panels are interlockable to form a matrix of interconnected modular panels. An important aspect of the present invention is the symmetry of each component, which allows the various components to be interlocked to form larger components and allows for a consistent interconnection that prevents the panels from being improperly connected. The basic building blocks are combined in this manner to form a larger display device.

The frame portion surrounds the interlocking panel edges. The frame also provides power supply connections as well as signal connections to the matrix of interlocked panel devices.

The basic structure of the module is shown in FIG. Symmetrical graphic panel 100 includes a number of individually illuminated diodes (LEDs) 102, 104 that are individually operated to form any desired display. In this embodiment, it is to be understood that the lighting device is an LED, but any kind of lighting device may be used. In yet another embodiment, the lighting device may be a liquid crystal device. In general, however, any type of lighting device may also be used, including plasma, DMD based projection, and the like.

The symmetrical shape, position and size of the interlocking protrusions prevent the module from interlocking unless the module's illumination surfaces all point in the same direction. In the disclosed embodiment, the module is formed in the form of a trapezoidal linkage. However, other embodiments of interlocking forms may also be used. In one of these embodiments, the movement of the two parts tightly locks the connection between the edges vertically and horizontally. It may use a clamp assembly within the range of currently used interlock systems, or use a system inclined in two dimensions to allow interlocking.

In addition, other shaped interlocking operations may exist, such as using a grooved cylinder with internal contact surfaces to avoid sharp edges.

The basic embodiment uses a 10 inch square device with 256 LEDs arranged in 16 rows and 16 columns defining the matrix. However, other sizes can also be expected. The 4-inch modular panel can be used for viewing devices in close proximity. An 18 inch modular panel can also be used for devices viewed from a relatively long distance. In addition, although the present description refers to the devices as squares, it should be understood that the basic shape is a circumference with four sides forming a square, with each side extending substantially in a straight direction. However, each side has a slanted interconnect with each straight side, rather than a plane like a perfect square. Effectively, the outline envelope is square. However, for the purposes of the present application, we explain that each side extends in a straight direction, understanding that the sides need not be planar.

Each edge 108 of the panel includes a mechanical linkage 110 having a basic trapezoidal shape to cooperate with a mating device. Each section of the interlock also includes a connector portion 112 formed of stainless steel or other conductor.

In this embodiment, each side of the panel has five connectors, so a total of 20 connection pins are formed on four sides. The pins provide power, column and row scan signals and serial communication as described herein. The conductors are located at the edges to avoid exposed lines and exposed wiring. Of course, the number of conductors and the number of pins used therein is a matter of design choice.

FIG. 2 illustrates how a plurality of devices work together to form a larger interlocking matrix panel. Obviously, any number of display devices can be interlocked in any shape to form the desired display panel. For example, multiple devices may be interconnected to form display images of sizes larger than 20 feet square with 160,000 LEDs and 520 square feet of graphical panel display range. Figure 2 also shows the appearance of the wedged modular connection to prevent the devices from being interconnected in an incorrect manner. Each device has a front portion 120 for display as shown in FIG. Each device also includes a rear portion, which is not shown in FIG. 1, but located on a side opposite to the illustrated front portion. The devices must be interconnected so that the front part, which is the indicator of each device, faces in the same direction. 2 shows a general interlocking relationship in which device 150 is connected to another device 155. Both devices have a front surface facing in the same direction. For this reason, the female linkage 153 of the device 150 finds the male linkage 154 of the device 155 to form an appropriate mating. However, note the bottom of the figure with the devices 160, 162. The device 162 is upside down, whereby the arm linkage 161 of the device 160 faces the arm linkage 163 of the other device 162. This makes it impossible for the device to interlock properly. In this way, the shape of the linkage essentially prevents the device from being inappropriately connected with the other.

In one embodiment, the interlocking frame portion forms a perimeter of the assembled display device. The circuitry within the frame supplies power, digital information and control information from the external host device to the connected modular device.

The frame portion also supplies the memory placement image. Non-volatile memory in the frame assembly is used to control each panel and thus control the status of each LED inside the panel. Of course, the contents of the nonvolatile memory can be changed to change the display of the graphic panel. Many advantages can be obtained from modular panels. Importantly, one of the advantages is that it is based on heat generation. Each of the plurality of graphic panels dissipates its own heat so that no external cooling system is required.

In one embodiment, the matrix of panels is controlled by an external processor or computer connected to the matrix via the frame portion.

The structure of the module of this embodiment can be performed as shown in the assembly diagram of FIG. An appropriate sized bottom plate 400 is first formed. As mentioned above, any size or shape is possible but preferably square. The same size printed circuit board 405 is also formed. Connectors for printed circuits are also used. In this embodiment, the connector 20 comprises a stainless flexible conductor connected around the perimeter of the circuit board 405, for example by soldering.

The printed circuit board 405 is screwed to the upper sheath 415 or otherwise attached. Through the cast nails it is connected to the top connection using a self-tapping screw. Finally, the lens assembly is positioned at the top of the sheath and pressed against the top sheath to form a seal. The lens emits output light.

The connector 410 overlaps the slots at the edges of the upper sheath 415 that reinforce the overall structure. This forms a symmetrical assembly that can be positioned in a plurality of different orientations.

A detailed view of the back side 400 of the module forming the back panel of the module assembly is shown in FIG. The device includes four convex quadrant sections that can be used to locate an adhesive, such as a Velcro ™ hook and eye type material or other adhesive. Multiple velcro adhesive regions 500 allow the panel to be mounted to a back plate with a cloth type of material. Due to the lightweight structure of the device, this is a very effective way of forming the device in terms of cost. However, drainage recesses 502 are present between the Velcro adhesive regions 500 to drain the accumulated water. Mounting holes are provided to allow for more conventional mounting choices. Due to the symmetrical interlocking shape of the module, only a central mounting hole is needed, whereby the symmetrical shape balances itself.

The external controller operates to generate a bitmap image that generates a scan signal for driving the LEDs. The image is formed and transferred through a USB interface or other interface that can be used to drive computer hardware.

The contacts used in the device are preferably made of stainless steel to accommodate their use outdoors. 6A and 6B show different types of connectors used. 6A shows the signal edge connector used at the edge of the module. Signal contacts communicate signals between different modules. The power supply contact is shown in Figure 6B. The connection to the power supply is preferably carried out at the center of the module so that each module can be rotated.

The device can be controlled by controller logic, which communicates with the graphics panel via a high speed interface such as USB. Control circuitry for the graphics panel includes module communication (multiplexed or non-multiplexed LED drive arrangements) and signal steering logic. The communication path between the host device and each module enables proper operation of the module.

7 is a general view of communication within a module that is less expensive and uses discrete logic. Of course, it is possible to form a system using a low cost microprocessor. There are two main incoming signals (clock and data) originating from the host device. Communication is possible via asynchronous single line data. However, when four or more modules are connected, the distortion of the signal causes a data error. For this reason, incoming data is sampled and synchronized with the incoming clock signal.

The clock and data are generated by the USB frame control unit, gated and summed under the control of an 8-bit MPU in each module, then buffered and reconstructed and sent back to adjacent connection modules.

An 8-bit MPU controls the signal when a response is requested from the host device. The communication circuit is therefore bidirectional with all command packet time slots.

The signal generally needs to travel a relatively short distance between interlock modules. Therefore, discrete logic can be used to reduce the partial cost. The programming of each module is a combination of user assistance and application software. The user defines the system orientation (array of panels) as described herein. The application then changes the identifier of each panel to control the direction of the LED drive matrix signal.

Each module is assigned a unique 32-bit sequential identifier, which is embedded in the module when assembled at the factory. During the startup mode, the host device requests each module to supply an identifier. The list of identifiers is made by the controller, which also assigns each module a new graphical panel based identifier at system initialization and after assembly of the different modules. The graphics module microcontroller then steers the data signal to the appropriate side of each module in the proper way for correct application operation.

The startup mode of identifying and programming the modules has been described herein with reference to FIG. 8, which illustrates the flow of identifying and programming modules. The application software first loads 800 all different unique identifiers from all different devices. It is arranged for reception into the map or other commands. The output signal is sent 805 to each panel based on the identifier one at a time to illuminate the panels. The user looks at the output panel and identifies the location and orientation of the panel using the user interface (810). Application software records (815) the location for the module and stores it as a map. Each module is assigned a sequential (local) address for easy addressing. For example, the address matrix of the upper left device is always unit 00, and the device on the adjacent right side may be used as unit 01 or the like.

Alternatively, a coding system using voltage distribution can be used, whereby the module's position is automatically detected by the voltage.

The communication protocol is simplified due to the environment of the electronic graphics panel. Power is initially applied to all modules, allowing the communication path to be maintained in one direction, from the host to the module. If the host device needs to receive data from the module, it sends a data receive command along with the module identifier. Each different module receives this information, but only the appropriate module responds within the assigned time slot.

9 shows how a simplified 8-bit microprocessor device controls the content of communication. Four instructions are programmed into the microprocessor that controls all the functions needed to align the data path and communication. Each function is time slotted, meaning that the function occurs only within a specifically assigned time slot. This allows sharing of communication lines.

The four sort commands include the following commands:

Setting of a module ID requesting an identifier of the module;

Setting of a module ID for setting a new identifier and a temporary identifier for the module;

Setting of signal directions-modular apparatus can be installed in multiple directions, allowing the command to set one of four directions for columns and rows;

Reset—This command verifies to the module whether the host receives and processes the command sent by the module.

In addition, the microcontroller 900 of each module measures the voltage supplied to the power connection pins. Different devices receive voltage from either a DC voltage 5V or 8V power supply, and monitoring allows the power supply to be within a certain parameter plus or minus 10% of the desired amount of power.

If the voltage parameter is outside the desired range, the microcontroller 990 responds to an adjacent host pole and informs the host device of an incorrect voltage. Set an alarm that can be healed by an additional supply voltage.

In order for each module to function correctly, the row and column scans driving the LED matrix must be connected from the module to the module across the array. In an embodiment, six signals (additional power signals) are connected to each module via edge connecting pins. This makes it possible to rotate each module completely in any desired direction without polarization. Six signals attached include:

Column Clock-Represents the column clock signal. Data is synchronized with this signal.

Represents a data stream sent to a thermal data-LED.

Thermal Reset-A signal that resets the data and clock signals if necessary.

Row clock-row data is also synchronized with this signal.

Row Reset—Reset the data and clock signals for a row.

Perform a data stream for the row data-LED.

Column and row signals represent illumination of individual illumination elements of the graphics module in matrix or non-matrix arrangements, and the matrix is defined as the signal on the X and Y axes in signal generation. For example, if you need to illuminate 64 LEDs, you have two electronic drive choices. It is possible to drive each lamp individually, which requires 64 independent signals or drive elements. Alternatively, it is possible to drive 64 lamps in a matrix arrangement, ie an 8 × 8 matrix. Eight column signals are driven and eight row signals are driven simultaneously. This enables the illumination of a single lamp within 64 lamps with only 16 signal drivers as opposed to 64.

The difference is that less signal is required to drive the 64 lamps. In addition, this provides an average coin power consumption as opposed to a relatively low actual static power consumption.

The thermal data signal selects the LEDs that need to be illuminated. It is a single serial data stream with a logic level illuminating one or all of the graphics panels 256 LEDs or lamps. The signal is in digital format and logic 1 (5 or 8 volts) turns off one LED and logic 0 illuminates one or all of the 256 LEDs or lamps.

 The thermal data stream corresponds to the Y axis of a single module or multiple modules and is a horizontal scan signal. Taking 16 modules horizontally interconnected as an example, since each panel is 16 X 16, a matrix arrangement of 16 X 16 column data signals scans 256 individual LEDs horizontally by 16 vertical signals.

Column reset is a signal that resets the data and clock signals if necessary. The column reset signal is used to synchronize the column digital data stream with respect to the column digital clock signal. Each time the LED needs to be illuminated, the data stream is synchronized with a clock pulse per LED. If the signal is not sequentially reset before the row data signal is present, there is an effect called afterimage on the graphic panel. This appears as a halo around each LED or lighting device. For a clear image, the afterimage needs to be removed. Therefore, column and row reset signals are needed.

Thermal clock-thermal data is synchronized to this signal.

Column Reset—Resets the data and clock signals for the column.

Perform a data stream for the thermal data-LED.

As described, there are three signals of reset, clock and data needed to effectively illuminate the column and row LEDs. The three signals are identical in digital format for the X and Y matrix arrangement. The data signal determines which of the 256 LEDs or lighting elements to illuminate. The clock signal is used to synchronize each lighting element with the data stream. Reset is used as the last part of the graphics panel application and prevents afterimage or halo effects around each of the 256 LEDs. The three signals are for column and row scan signals.

Figure 10 shows how incorrect connection of the output connected to the input can cause signal collisions and distort the scan matrix arrangement. The interlocking graphics panel has four sides to which it can be connected. In an embodiment, a connection is possible. Each side of the graphics panel has the same electronic signal. If the signal flow from the panel and the signal flow to the panel are not controlled, total signal distortion occurs. Fig. 10 illustrates this possible signal distortion and how it confuses electronic control.

According to the system, the interlocking graphics module is capable of interlocking with one of the four sides without polarization, and the control and arrangement of the signals make this possible.

11 shows how each signal can be connected to an appropriate signal line. Tri-state buffers are used on each side of the module under the control of the microcontroller. The buffer can be tri-state to generate a floating input (output). In this way (only) one side of the module is activated at any time. The switching of the tristate buffer is performed using the tristate bus driver 905 shown in FIG. The use of a tristate driver optionally keeps the device in tristate so that the same pin can be used for both attraction and output.

  As mentioned above, the frame attachment provides a connection to and from the modular block.

3 is an exploded view of a layer of interlocking frame portions providing power and information to each of the modular assemblies. Power and digital information is obtained from any computer, eg, a host device such as the computing device shown in FIG. 12 and described herein. The host device provides a memory map image that is sent to each graphics panel through the connector. The image is itself stored inside the inactive digital memory in the frame assembly. If the microcontroller needs to change the state of the lighting device, it connects to the inactive memory in a particular way.

The frame portion as shown in Fig. 3 includes three connected portions. Printed circuit board 305 may include an electronic device including a microcontroller. The printed circuit board is formed with alignment holes 308. The upper sheath 310 of the frame assembly includes alignment nails. Each alignment hole 308 is positioned side by side with each alignment nail 312, and the outer surface of such alignment nail 312 maintains the inner surface of the hole 308 in position. Lower bottom plate 320 covers printed circuit board 305 and is fixed by nails 330 and 332.

Frame attachments can be used, each supplying a variety of functions to the arranged graphic panel. It is classified into three types. Three different kinds of frame attachments can be used. Three kinds are shown in Figs. 11A to 11C.

Fig. 11A shows a USB control frame attaching device which is an electronic frame attaching device, which has signal type pins 1100, 1102, 1104 and 1106 and power supply pins 1108 and 1110. This provides both signal and power to the array. The power supply attachment is shown in FIG. 11B and has only a printed circuit board on which an electronic power filtering element with power pins 1112, 1114 and signal control pins 1100, 1102, 1104, 1106 is disposed. In addition, only the power supply pins 1112 and 1114 are provided. The decorative frame attachment shown in Fig. 11C has a printed circuit board and power supply pins and signal pins without electronic elements. The decorative frame attaching device shown in Fig. 11C has no connecting pin.

In order to operate the system correctly, the USB control frame attachment must be attached to the module. The control frame provides digital signals and power supply to all connected modules. The control frame is attached to the host device through a USB serial port or hub. The control frame contains a USB microcontroller, inactive memory and adhesive logic to supply the necessary digital signals. The signal shown in Fig. 11A has the following functions:

Pin number Pin description Pin number Pin description One Output thermal drive data 11 Ground or 0 Volts 2 Output Thermal Drive Clock 12 Plus power 5-8 volts 3 Output Thermal Drive Reset 13 Reset input line 4 Output data command 14 Input row clock 5 Output data synchronization clock 15 Input row data 6 Output row data 16 Input data command 7 Output row clock 17 Input data synchronization clock 8 Reset output line 18 Reset input column 9 Plus Power 5-8 Volts 9 19 Input thermal clock 10 Ground or 0 Volts 20 Input column data

In essence, the digital signal provides a column and row matrix scan signal to each module to address each of the illumination elements of each module.

Control of the single or multiple interlocking graphics module is performed by the frame attaching device shown in the form of a block diagram in FIG. The USB frame attachment device includes a microcontroller 1200 that includes a USB engine and a memory direct access (DMA) controller. Inactive memory 1205 with a combined battery stores data received from the microcontroller. Additionally, adhesive logic module 1210 provides logic to drive the system as described herein.

The microcontroller communicates with the USB protocol and downloads memory map data from the host device. The memory map data is stored in inactive memory 1205. After the download of the data is completed, the digital data in the memory is converted into a digital signal which is one of multiplexed or nonmultiplexed column and row signals to drive adjacent scan modules. After the download of the data is completed, the USB control frame can be executed independently from the host device. The system can be run in real time, which means that a continuous video or audio stream application can be downloaded to the graphics panel continuously. In a standalone mode, the system runs independently from the host device after a complete successful download. Memory map images stored in inactive memory continue to be displayed in the graphics panel until new data is transferred. In this embodiment, the cellular wireless telephone interface 1220 may be used to update data in inactive memory.

The USB control frame also generally includes an audio processor 1230 that can communicate with a real time clock 1225 via a real time clock.

As an alternative to the cellular wireless telephone interface, for example, a USB port can be used with a portable or mainframe computer. Infrared interfaces may also be used. In operation, the frame attachment device may also be attached to the graphics module as shown in FIG. The frame attachment can be connected to any aspect of the modular system that allows full flexibility. Only one USB control frame is required per system, some of which may be additional electronic functions, decorative frames and power frames that can be used anywhere along the outside of the graphics module forming the product.

The power frame attachment is only necessary if a certain number of graphic panels are interlocked, for example more than 10 to 16 graphic panels. It also depends on the type of lighting device to be used. For example, indoor lighting devices consume less power than outdoor lighting devices. Each of the different power frame attachments is coupled with an external power source that terminates inside the substrate of the power frame on the printed circuit board. A copper rod sized to carry 10 amps is soldered to the printed circuit board and connectors on stainless steel pins.

Figure 16 is a more detailed view of the power circuit, which includes a capacitor that filters high and low frequency harmonics generated by the switch. In this embodiment a 470 μF / 16 volt tantalum capacitor may be used for low frequency harmonics and a 100 nF / 50 volt capacitor may be used for high frequency harmonics.

The power jack adapter will be a 4.5mm power jack with a plus mounted on the top power frame enclosure. For example, FIG. 14 is a diagram of how a product with 20 or more panels can include two different power frames. First, the USB control frame 1400 is connected to its own power supply 1405. do. Secondly, a dedicated power frame attachment 1410 is also connected to its own power supply 1415. The USB control frame 1400 is also connected to the host device 1420.

The way in which the modules are interconnected inherently maintains the proper supply polarity. In an embodiment, the direction of polarity is positive connection outward and negative connection inward.

The application allows different devices to form the proper location. Each panel measures the power source and calculates the power frame arrangement that needs to be attached. Each graphics module measures the incoming power supply required for the function and if the power is 10% lower or higher than the programmed requirements, the graphics module alerts the USB frame controller through the internal communication path for each module. Depending on the host array settings, the user is warned with a display on the affected graphics module or the host PC warns the user with a screen prompt.

Diagnostic programs or host devices running on the PC visually identify the appropriate power frame attachment location on the user or host visual screen.

If a PLC or keyboard interface is used, the USB frame attachment brightens the best graphic panel position for the power frame attachment.

Figure 15 shows how a color coded system shows where different power frames and USB control frames are required.

Decorative frame attachments provide a beautiful appearance to the overall system to match power and USB frame attachments and can also provide some structural integrity.

The assembly device may be arranged as shown in Fig. 17A. 17A shows various graphics modules, USB and power attachments, edge inserts, and decorative edge inserts.

In the above, the control of each LED in which the LEDs are individually controlled has been described. Figure 17B illustrates an alternative embodiment using a four-split panel arrangement. Products like billboards and scoreboards often look hundreds of meters away. Typical pixel sizes in these systems are between 5 and 10 inches. Therefore, the LEDs are clustered into 64 LED clusters to enable extended pixel formats. The 4-split panel pixel format is shown in Figure 17B. In alternative embodiments, tri-color LEDs can be used, thus allowing for a color quadrature pixel format.

Although a single USB controller has been described above, multiple USB controllers can be used without interruption for multiple task performing portions of a large display device.

This is useful when running live video or large products. As described above, multiple power frame attachments can also be used for various functions such as recording and displaying time and temperature.

While the use of the device as a modular graphics panel has been described above, different products for the device are also possible. Another embodiment describes a two-sided square or four-inch square liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel uses the same base housing and mounting structure and the smaller panels are also the same.

The liquid crystal model consumes very little power and can hold an image for 31 days without power being used. Power is needed to change the image, but very little power is required to maintain the image. The model is used for different products including airport information systems, interactive educational toys, indoor video screens and advertising displays.

One particular device product is an electronic jigsaw puzzle as shown in Figures 18A-18D. For the electronic jigsaw puzzle, first, the desired number of devices are interconnected as shown in Fig. 18A, and then the selected image is downloaded from an Internet site or an image stored in a computer is used.

18B shows the selected image displayed on the interconnected jigsaw panels. The panel is then separated as shown in Fig. 17C. Since it consumes less power, the downloaded image continues to exist even if there is no attached power. The person who assembles the puzzle then assembles the selected pieces to produce the downloaded image as shown in FIG. 18D.

Although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above, other variations are also possible. All changes are included in the following claims. For example, although no mention is made of color above, it should be understood that tricolor LEDs can be used to represent red, green, and yellow. This can make multiple color representations.

Claims (23)

A modular graphic panel assembly comprising: a display surface portion, an edge defining one or more flat surface portions, a first contact for power distribution located at the one or more flat surface portions, and a second contact and edge surface for signal distribution. A modular graphical panel assembly comprising a first modular block comprising a formed mechanical linkage. The method of claim 1, further comprising a second modular block, wherein the connecting portion of the first modular block interlocks with the connecting portion of the corresponding second modular block, and wherein the first contact portion of the first modular block is connected to the second modular block. And a first graphic contact of the modular block. The modular graphic panel of claim 1, further comprising a tri-state buffer connected to the second contact and allowing each of the second contacts to be used as either input or output depending on the orientation of the modular block. Assembly. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a frame assembly surrounding the first and second modular blocks; And at least one portion of the frame assembly is connected to the first and second contacts. 5. The modular graphical panel assembly of claim 4, wherein the modular graphical panel assembly comprises four modular blocks arranged in a substantially rectangular shape. 5. The modular graphics panel assembly of claim 4, wherein the frame assembly includes a USB circuit to receive a USB signal and to deliver the USB signal to the second contact. 2. The modular graphical panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said modular blocks comprises a plurality of illumination diodes. The method of claim 2, wherein the connection portion has a substantially trapezoidal shape and is connected to another connection by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the modular block, but not connected or connected by moving in a direction parallel to the surface of the modular block. Modular graphic panel assembly, characterized in that the broken. The second inclined side and the second inclined side according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion extends between the first parallel side and the second parallel side and the first parallel side and the second parallel side having one side longer than the other side. Modular graphic panel assembly characterized in that the substantially trapezoidal shape having a. In the modular display: A symmetrical housing having an upper surface with controllable indicators and an edge with mechanical linkages; Each mechanical linkage of the edge portion has a size and a shape interlocked with an edge of a housing different from the housing, and the housing includes a connector portion for supplying an electronic connection and a signal connection to the display. The modular display device of claim 10, wherein the connector portion is formed at the edge portion. The modular display device of claim 11, wherein the connector portion is formed on each surface of the edge portion. 12. The modular display device of claim 11, wherein the modular display device has an outer perimeter having a substantially straight portion forming a substantially square outer perimeter, wherein the connector portion is formed in each of the straight portions. The modular display device of claim 10, wherein the mechanical linkage is formed of an inclined edge connected to another inclined edge. The modular display device of claim 10, wherein the mechanical linkage is formed in a specific shape such that the upper surface of the mechanical linkage may be connected only to a device facing the same direction. 11. The modular display device of claim 10, further comprising a tri-state buffer coupled to the connector. In the display assembly: A plurality of modular devices each having a symmetrical shape and having flat edges interconnected with other modular devices, the plurality of modular devices being arranged in an array and each of the modular devices having an electronic connection to each other modular device And; And a frame portion surrounding the matrix of the modular device and connected to the matrix of the one or more modular devices. 18. The display assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the modular devices has a substantially rectangular shape defining four edges defining a perimeter of the modular device. 18. The display assembly of claim 17, wherein the electronic connectors are formed on each of the edge portions, thereby enabling connection between the plurality of modular devices and frame portions. 18. The label assembly of claim 17, wherein the frame portion includes an electronic circuit. 18. The display assembly of claim 17, further comprising a memory located within the electronic circuit and providing information displayed on a modular device. Assembling the plurality of modular display panels into a desired shape; Determining a location of each of the display panels and forming a map defining the location; Transmitting a full representation to the device of the desired shape using a map that determines which portion of the device should display which portion. Assembling the modular display panel by connecting the first portion of the display panel to the second portion of the display panel; And Preventing mechanically connecting the panels if the illumination surfaces of the two panels are not facing the same direction.

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